Stomach Stapling Risks

Restrictive surgery or vertical banded gastroplasty -- "stomach stapling" as it is most commonly known -- is one of the more popular types of weight loss surgery available to obese patients today. As those who are already familiar with the procedure already known, stomach stapling involves reducing the size of the stomach to make it so that an individual feels full after eating less food. Ideally, this results in fewer calories being consumed and, ideally, weight loss. An estimated 80-percent of those who undergo the procedure experience at least some noticeable weight loss. However, there are known vertical banded gastroplasty complications.

What are some of the risks of stomach stapling? They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and possible vitamin and mineral deficiency. These may not necessarily be short-term effects, either. Rather, they may be things long-term complications of stomach stapling that those who undergo the operation have to learn to deal with on and off for their rest of their lives. It is also possible that the stomach stapling side effects will include a higher risk for stroke, and possible death. At least 10% and possibly as much as 20% of those who undergo restrictive surgery are force to undergo follow-up surgery to correct one or more of the above complications.

Stomach stapling surgery problems also include the staples themselves. On average, the staples can pull themselves loose about 30% of the time. This could be a result of the staples being placed weekly, or it could be a matter of the patient overeating to the extent that they are forcibly ripped free. Some individuals who have had the surgery report that even something like a carbonated soda caused the staple to pull free. In many cases, a second procedure will have to be done to repair the staple and to make sure that no additional medical problems arrive.

Other issues that may result from vertical banded gastroplasty are a noticeable lack of appetite, strict limits on dietary intake, excessive fatigue, possible hair loss, dry skin and emotional instability. Also, anyone considering undergoing this surgery should understand that the procedure will not overtly keep you from overeating. The surgery is not a replacement for a healthy balanced diet and plenty of exercise. These are still essential. What the restrictive surgery does do, however, is give you a fresh start, and despite all of the restrictions and complications, gastric stapling can ultimately be quite effective.